RAMBLERS: On Wednesday walk the Southease circular. 5.5 miles with John and Peggy 842376. One steep hill, no stiles. Short walk same day is Arlington Reservoir with Michael and Linda 845479. Ring walk leaders for details.

DR ZHIVAGO: Hailsham Old Pavilion Society (HOPS) is presenting a new digitally enhanced version of the 1966 film, Doctor Zhivago, at The Pavilion on the afternoon of Saturday, January 9. This special matinee performance commemorates the 50th anniversary of David Lean’s classic Oscar-winning film which stars Omar Sharif and Julie Christie.

Tickets are available from The Pavilion box office and cost £7 (£5.50 concessions and children) plus 10 percent discount for HOPS members. Doors open at 1.45pm and the film starts at 2.30pm. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of The Hailsham Pavilion.

HOPS COFFEE MORNING: Hailsham Old Pavilion Society (HOPS) got in the festive mood with a special Christmas coffee morning held at The Pavilion on Saturday, December 28. Guest of honour was, of course, Santa, who gave all the children sweets and a free cinema ticket for The Pavilion. For the adults, there was the chance to win a prize on the tombola, and for everyone there were homemade cakes and mince pies. The morning raised £140 for HOPS which helps with the upkeep of The Hailsham Pavilion.

CATS PROTECTION: The Christmas Fair raised £1645.70 which was amazing considering the weather.

DRAWING CLUB: On Saturday mornings, January 23 and 30, there is a new drawing club from 9am to noon at Diplocks Hall for children of all ages and parents are welcome to join in. The cost is £10 per child and can be booked with John Tyson on 07725 145920 by email at candraw@hotmail.co.uk.

HMI KNIT AND NATTER CLUB: They’ve done it again. Over the past six months the Monday Afternoon Knit and Natter club have been clicking their way to making over 400 knitted items to donate to this year’s Shoe Box appeal. Their latest creations which include patch blankets, woolly jumpers, cardigans, mitts, booties, and toys, many of which are of unique design made by the enthusiastic knitters, to be used by children who are victims of natural disasters around the world. The HMI are grateful to the locally based organisation, Computers for Charities for organising the transportation and distribution of the items thereby ensuring the items get to those people in the greatest need.

The Knit and Natter Club meets every Monday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm, it’s open to members and non members. All levels of skill are catered for and it is not restricted to ladies only, as our pictures show, and most equipment is provided on a voluntary basis. Refreshments are available from the bar.

HEALTH WALKS: All throughout the winter months The Conservation Volunteers will organise free short walks in Hailsham. There is no need to book, just turn up. The walks will take place every Thursday and set off at 10.30am from the war memorial on the High Street. Join in, enjoy the fresh air and beat the blues. For more info contact Paula Hubens, Healthy Walks Project Officer on 07740 899559/ p.hubens@tcv.org.uk

2015 SHOEBOXES ARRIVE: Computers for Charities wish happy new year to all and again thanks for your support in 2015 with our Christmas Shoebox appeal. Shoeboxes donated to the needy in the UK and even more to good causes in Eastern Europe. Big Al and I covered over 5000 miles on this trip, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. All would to pass on their thanks and appreciation for what you have done. Thank you. Christmas does not just fall on December 25 but in such countries January 7 under the old Orthodox calendar. A full update will soon be ready to send out, photos and stories. And yes, if you wish to support we will repeat in December 2016.

TREASURE ISLAND: Ahoy there me matey’s young and old. Get ready for an adventure on the high seas in this exciting, swashbuckling panto. Join young Jim Hawkins as he embarks on the biggest adventure of his life on board the Hispaniola. With the good captain Corker’un at the helm, and Polly the parrot never far away, will Jim find his fortune or will the Dastardly Long John Silver stand in his way? No opportunity missed to press-gang the audience right into the thick of the seafaring action. So grab your compass and follow the map to Hailsham Pavilion for the must see show of the year, Ooooo-Aaaaaarrrr. Don’t leave it too late to get the best seats for your family as seats are selling fast!

THE NEW ST WILFRID’S CHURCH: The Parishioners’ of St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church in Hailsham are pleased to announce the opening of their new church last month. It was a long awaited moment after many years of planning and hard work. The new modern space hosts the original Altar, Stations of the Cross, Statues and Font all of which anchor Catholic tradition firmly at the root of this modern facility. Fundraising activities are underway to enable the transformation of the old church building into a community hall which will be used to serve the parish and local Hailsham community. For more information, please contact: Gareth Jones E-mail: Gazdoo@aol.com Tel: (07725) 368906. St Wilfrid’s Website: http://saintsgeorgeandwilfrid.co.uk/

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